Although NASCAR has long been the most prominent and venerated level of automobile racing in professional sports, it has been met with a challenger over the last decade in the growth of Formula 1 Racing. Owned by Liberty Media Corporation – which is set to bifurcate the Atlanta Braves into its own distinct entity – the two racing properties have competed for shares of viewership and revenue. As time has progressed, the contest has become more of a dead heat than a runaway, in part because of the premiere of the Netflix series, Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Last year, Formula 1 viewership in the United States averaged 1.21 million viewers across viewership platforms, while NASCAR saw a viewership gain to the tune of 3.7 million people. Yet when comparing the numbers globally, Formula 1 attracts over 70 million viewers per race and is continuously augmenting.
Formula 1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have become celebrities themselves and established a markedly different culture than NASCAR. Perhaps no radio host discusses automobile racing more than Ken Carman on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland, Ohio, especially since he used to cover it. When NASCAR boomed in the ‘90s, Carman attended several races and recalled a story where he forgot to bring a pair of pants to Michigan International Speedway. Because of this, he had to make a trip to a local Walmart and bought the cheapest pair of jeans since he was not allowed in the garage area without them.
“I was walking around very uncomfortably,” Carman recalled. “….There’s only one way in and one way out of that place – one road; that’s it, that is it.”
Carman’s co-host, Anthony Lima, remembered covering an IndyCar race in Cleveland and how the presentation of the race on television made it look as if it was a spectacle. Formula 1 racing fans and the league itself continues to gain traction, attracting prominent figures from sports and entertainment to its races – especially in Miami, Fla. Part of the changes in viewing metrics can, perhaps, be attributed to changing lifestyles of American consumers.
“You take a look at what the roadways are,” Carman said. “The American icon car is not necessarily the icon as what it used to be…. Most cars are compact SUVs, not necessarily cars anymore.”
NASCAR’s popularity has taken a hit in concurrence with the growth of Formula 1, and it is not a topic that is frequently discussed on standard sports talk shows, whether that be on radio or television. Lima believes Carman is unique in that he bothers to mention the property, despite recognizing that by September, it will be far out of the conversation – presumably because of the start of football season.
“You’ve cornered the market on NASCAR because there aren’t a lot of big voices talking [about] NASCAR,” Lima said. “It’s you and Marty Smith – that’s it – and you are talking NASCAR.”
Despite covering both racing properties, Lima believes Carman has a preference for NASCAR and has conveyed a sense of envy towards Formula 1. While on the air on Friday morning, he made his viewpoint apparent and forced Carman to listen to his perspective.
“Ken, just sit this one out for two seconds,” Lima said. “Ken’s a little jealous of the Formula 1 popularity, and so he’s going against the grave there.”
Carman vehemently denied that assertion and stated that he enjoys watching both properties. Nonetheless, Lima and show producer Owen Lademann both presented evidence of Carman portraying himself in that light. Shortly thereafter, Carman conjectured what the image of NASCAR has become over the years and pointed out how it is unique.
“NASCAR needs to be more down home and connecting with the fans. Well, actually – maybe I’m wrong about that,” he equivocated. “Maybe there needs to be more of an F1 type of thing.”
Evan Gershkovich — a Moscow-based reporter for The Wall Street Journal — was arrested by Russian authorities 100 days ago, and the publication is increasing awareness and pressure on the state department to secure his release.
In a social media campaign, The Wall Street Journal is noting the 100th day of detainment of Gershkovich, and encouraging others to share his story in hopes of his release. The publication has argued that Gershkovich, who was arrested after being accused of espionage against the Russian government, has been wrongfully detained and has committed no crime.
“The Wall Street Journalvehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter, Evan Gershkovich,” the newspaper said in a statement after his March arrest. “We stand in solidarity with Evan and his family.”
Gershkovich — an American citizen — was arrested after a story he published detailed financial hardships the Russian government faced after launching an offensive in Ukraine. The report detailed the decline of the Russian ruble. He was detained after Russian President Vladimir Putin made sharing “fake information” about the Russian army or its efforts in Ukraine a crime.
Many news media personnel, between brands, hosts, writers, reporters, and producers, shared their solidarity with Gershkovich on the 100th day of his imprisonment.
???? One hundred days ago, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in Russia during a reporting trip. He remains in a Moscow prison.
100 days since Evan’s arrest in Russia. On this milestone all of us @wsj with Evan’s friends and family are recalling his honest dedication to this craft and calling on everyone to keep pushing on all fronts for his release. The paper’s front page today #IStandWithEvan#FreeEvanpic.twitter.com/l4b7nmc1Fr
Wall Street Journal Editor-in-Chief @emmatuckerWSJ laments Russia's 'inhumane' treatment of American reporter wrongfully detained by Russia and vows she won't give up until Evan Gershkovich is released. #IStandWithEvanpic.twitter.com/krUxaLcnpi
It’s day 100 of American @WSJ reporter Evan Gershkovich being unlawfully detained in Russia. The WH & State Dept must maintain pressure on the Kremlin to release him. #IStandWithEvanhttps://t.co/l3aio3uBLw
— Alyssa Farah Griffin (@Alyssafarah) July 7, 2023
My @WSJ colleagues and I had hoped to never see this day. It's been 100 days since our fellow reporter and friend Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia. His unjust arrest is an affront to anyone who values free press and free societies anywhere #FreeEvan#IStandWithEvanpic.twitter.com/IUGEPcw3rb
Former Morning Express with Robin Meade meteorologist Bob Van Dillen has joined FOX Weather.
“I’ve been watching FOX Weather since its launch in 2021, and I’m excited to join the talented group of meteorologists that work on air and behind the scenes,” Van Dillen said. “I’m honored for the opportunity to work for a news organization I’ve watched for decades. To be a part of the FOX family in New York is a dream come true. I can’t wait to say, ‘I’ve got your forecast, right here!’”
Van Dillen served as the meteorologist on the HLN morning show with Meade for more than 20 years. Before joining HLN, he worked at the NBC affiliate in Charlotte and also spent time at local stations in Syracuse, Albany, and Utica.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bob and his experience in the field, combined with his years as co-host on a national show.” FOX Weather President Sharri Berg said in the announcement. “His relatability and conversation-focused style is a perfect fit for FOX Weather and the FOX Weather team.”
Van Dillen will begin his duties on Monday, July 10th.
After he was laid off from ESPN last Friday in a large cut of 20 members of the network’s on-air personality lineup, Jeff Van Gundy may not be returning to the sports media scene at all. Van Gundy, who coached for several years in collegiate basketball and the National Basketball Association, is reportedly exploring opportunities to restart that part of his career. Sports Illustrated writer Chris Mannix reported that Van Gundy has been in discussions for an assistant coaching role in the NBA. In fact, he met with the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks before those teams fortified their coaching staffs, but could now be a fit alongside Wes Unseld Jr. and the Washington Wizards.
Van Gundy has not coached in an NBA game since the 2007 season, during which he helped the team, with Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo and Tracy McGrady, to win 52 games. After he was fired from the team, Van Gundy took his talents to ESPN and began broadcasting marquee matchups, including the NBA Finals, alongside Mike Breen and Mark Jackson. Over the years, consumers and those within the game of basketball have regarded him as a savant and innovator, and he has not been shy about sharing his opinions on changes the game should make to optimize play.
When he was with the New York Knicks as an assistant coach, the team won the Eastern Conference Finals before being defeated by Houston in seven games. During each season of Van Gundy’s head coaching tenure with the team – which lasted from 1996 to 1999 – the team lost in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, competing against Hall of Famers such as Michael Jordan, Alonzo Mourning and Reggie Miller. Throughout his time as a head coach in the Association, Van Gundy won 57.5% of his games and garnered the respect of his players and opponents.
Basketball fans have grown accustomed to Van Gundy commentating showcase matchups and many of the most important games of the playoffs. As a fixture in this type of coverage, many viewers find it hard to believe that he will be out of the sports media industry altogether.
There are several open job opportunities across the industry right now for an experienced talent – perhaps even as the new co-host of Undisputed with Skip Bayless. Many people, however, seem to hope he will ink a contract with Warner Bros. Discovery and contribute to the NBA on TNT, perhaps either on Inside the NBA or with his brother, Stan, on showcase games. The NBA’s current media rights agreement with ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery expires following the 2024-25 season, a time when the entity could evidently consider a long-awaited expansion to 32 teams.
Following the surprising dismissal of Van Gundy, ESPN is reportedly preparing to add a third member to its lead broadcast team from the internal talent pool. JJ Redick, however, seems to be the frontrunner to land the coveted position and further expand his role with ESPN, a network he joined full time following his retirement in 2021. Jalen Rose, who served as a panelist on NBA Countdown, the signature shoulder program for the NBA on ESPN, was laid off last week as well and could be replaced by Kendrick Perkins. Akin to Redick, Perkins has expanded his presence across the network’s platforms and programming.
620 WTMJ has announced an altered daily lineup that will begin on Tuesday, July 11th.
Wisconsin’s Morning News with Vince Vitrano and Erik Bilstad will now air from 6:00-9:00 AM, shifting from its usual start time of 5:00 AM. The now-vacated hour will focus on local news report until Vitrano and Bilstad begin.
A new show called WTMJ Now will feature Sandy Maxx and Steve Scaffidi from 9:00 AM-Noon. Scaffidi had previously hosted the timeslot solo. Maxx shifts from the station’s afternoon show, after joining 620 WTMJ in December.
“I’m truly delighted to embrace this new opportunity at WTMJ and Good Karma Brands,” Maxx said. “Spending mornings co-hosting WTMJ Now with Steve will be a great way to create informative and entertaining conversations that can connect people.”
“I’m excited to launch our new show next week alongside Sandy. She brings immense talent and creativity to WTMJ, as well as her love of Milwaukee and Wisconsin,” Sacffidi added. “Whether it’s her love of the arts, or her passion for pop culture and music, I can’t wait to have her as a partner on our new midday show.”
Replacing Maxx on Wisconsin’s Afternoon News is longtime WTMJ host Greg Matzek. The station’s sportscaster will join John Mercure for the new afternoon show. The show will remain in the 3:00-6:00 PM timeslot. Jeff Wagner will also stay in the 12:00-3:00 PM window.
It has been a tumultuous few days for Twitter, and MSNBC primetime host Chris Hayes says it’s been interesting to follow the happenings with the social media platform.
Over the weekend, Elon Musk announced that Twitter would limit the number of tweets users could view daily. That development was not well received and led to strong pushback. Then, Instagram launched a competitor to Twitter, Threads, which saw explosive growth, garnering 30 million accounts in less than a day of operation.
“It’s been such a fascinating experience to watch Musk’s Twitter break down in all these ways,” Hayes argued. “I mean both break down in terms of like just the worst people on the internet being raised in the algorithm and in every reply. Also, we’re watching this process of kind of political radicalization in the worst way with him and is flirting with like, really racist stuff and really extremist stuff.”
.@Dr_CMGreer on Twitter: “It feels like an old, abandoned mall where there’s a Sears and Roebuck and a JCPenney and like a Hot Topic and a Claire’s but not much else. But we’re still going because we’re used to going.” pic.twitter.com/ROHgtH71Gu
— All In with Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) July 7, 2023
After the launch of Threads Wednesday, Twitter has threatened legal action against Meta — the parent company of the new app — alleging it stole trade secrets from employees who were fired by Twitter after Musk took ownership of the company.
SuperTalk 99.7 WTN in Nashville is about to reveal its permanent host for the 9:00 AM-Noon timeslot. The announcement was hinted at by Pamela Furr, who regularly filled in for the position. Furr also serves as the President of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame.
The Cumulus Media station has been on the hunt for a new host to fill the vacancy left by Michael DelGiorno, who departed in March. DelGiorno has subsequently launched the 1850 Main Street podcast.
“Mornin’, y’all. Been getting messages asking lots of questions, so I thought I’d go ahead and respond on socials. My time filling in from 9 am – Noon regularly has come to an end,” Furr tweeted. “@997wtn has made a decision on that time slot and will be making an announcement soon. IT’S NOT ME. I will continue to be a regular fill-in, so I’m not going anywhere.
“I am grateful Cumulus Media-Nashville & I have a long-term INCREDIBLE well-working relationship. That will not change,” Furr concluded.
Mornin', y'all. Been getting messages asking lots of questions, so I thought I'd go ahead and respond on socials. My time filling in from 9am – Noon regularly has come to an end. @997wtn has made a decision on that time slot and will be making an announcement soon. IT'S NOT ME.…
She noted she will continue to serve as the President of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame and has accepted a position with the Americans For Prosperity group in Tennessee as its Grassroots Engagement Director.
The host of ESPN’s First Take has a captivating television magnetism, offering opinions, emotions, and media savvy in a manner that is direct, honest, and breakthrough cool. Molly Qerim has planted her flag as the voice of reason and conscience on the wildly popular sports debate show.
Like Spud Webb driving to the hoop amidst his comparatively giant counterparts, Qerim uses tact, intelligence, and honesty in making her presence felt among some of television’s most vociferous and vibrant personalities.
But let’s keep it real. Qerim is not the star of First Take. That moniker belongs to Stephen A. Smith, who along with Mike Greenberg, Laura Rutledge, and Malika Andrews, comprise the ESPN’s latest quartet of foundational superstars.
With the recent layoffs of some big name talent, this foursome is indeed the rock on which ESPN’s present and near future are built. Smith stands out from the pack. His salary is in the $12-$15 million a year range, and it is a bargain. He is the face of the network and with good reason.
Smith has done for sports debate shows what Arsenio Hall did for late night talk shows. With his gritty print journalism chops, he detonated the old format bringing realism, attitude, power, and just plain candor to multiple platforms.
Like Hall, Smith also opened the door for a plethora of guests heretofore ignored in mainstream television. However, while Smith is clearly ESPN’s Johnny Carson, Qerim is no Ed McMahon.
She hosts First Take with a graceful intensity, cutting off banter that has run its course, interjecting her opinions, bringing a needed women’s perspective to often male dominated discussions, and fearlessly putting the maniacal Smith in his place when necessary.
Qerim’s ultimate strength and the reason for her emergence is her courage. Over the past few years, as First Take has tackled social justice and equality issues, Qerim has, at times, been moved to tears in her statements. This is no sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is about strength.
Her raw emotion, graceful yet powerful style, and unmatched on camera presence have lifted her to a new level of performance. She is not only supremely watchable, but also uniquely indomitable.
In a recent episode during the NBA playoffs, Qerim proposed the question of whether Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray were the best duo in the NBA. Guest panelist Kendrick Perkins attempted to sidestep the question basically saying that they were the best duo still playing in the playoffs.
Qerim would have none of it. She pushed Perkins, driving him back to the question and challenging him to give an answer. The usually unflappable and stone-strong Perkins was flummoxed. He really did not know how to counter Qerim’s persistence.
Qerim does not merely stick to the script. Like a great point guard, she is focused on the subject at hand, but always looking ahead to the next topic. To use hoops lexicon, she sees the entire floor.
Qerim is more than a talk show host, she is a listening show host. She pays attention to what is being said by all sides and interjects her thoughts and opinions at the ideal moments.
It has been fun watching her develop from essentially a moderator and referee to a full-fledged participant in the debate, one whose opinion we look forward to hearing each day.
Qerim is also unafraid to make fun of herself. This was no more evident than on an episode when Smith actually brought Qerim’s lunchbox on the air, humorously going through each item. Qerim took it in stride and brought the audience in on the joke.
From a production standpoint, First Take often features multiple guests remotely. This, of course, stems from what television programs were forced to do during the height of the Covid pandemic.
But while remote guests were required during Covid, these days they have become routine. On any given First Take episode, there are usually two guest panelists plus Smith and Qerim.
To a person, these guests drive the show with candor. From JJ Redick to Chris “Mad Dog” Russo to Booger McFarland and others, the screen is literally filled with pointed pontificators.
You would think that Smith plus any two of these talkers would be enough, but because of Qerim’s timely interjections, the show often has to go to a quad box screen.
The woman won’t be ignored.
There is no denying that Qerim is as photogenic as they come, which historically, has often been a hindrance to women in sports media. This dates back to Phyllis George whose 1971 Miss America good looks often overshadowed her incredible development as an interviewer and commentator on CBS’s now legendary NFL Today show.
Personalities like George, Lesley Visser, Jackie MacMullan, Andrea Kremer, and many others paved the way, but none of these television stalwarts had to sit three feet away from the ceaseless sports talk firestorm that is Stephen A. Smith.
While much of Qerim’s development involves her ability to add to the conversation with pertinent dialogue and thoughtful comments, it is at times, her silence that is most impressive.
On the June 23, 2023, First Take featured a post-NBA draft discussion. The show included three bona fide basketball experts. The aforementioned Reddick, former NBA player Tim Legler, and Smith himself, who played college basketball at Winston Salem State University and has covered the sport for over 30 years.
Qerim knew that she was surrounded by excellence. She knew that these three men would dissect the draft with detail and opinion. So, what did she do? She did what a truly astute host does. Qerim distributed the questions like Tom Brady distributed the football in his overtime drive to beat Atlanta in the Super Bowl LI.
She led the trio of talent in an out of various topics including the draft itself, the impact of number one pick Victor Wembanyama, the trade that sent Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors, and the Portland Trailblazers selecting Scoot Henderson, among other subjects.
Two days earlier, Qerim again stood out during Russo’s “What Are You Mad About” segment. Her facial reactions, eyerolls, and funny reactions to Russo‘s tirades were tremendous.
At one point, the excitable Russo kicked his leg as he ranted and raved about the U.S. Open golf tournament. Qerim adroitly picked up on this odd maneuver and humorously mocked Russo’s kick after his dissertation was complete.
Qerim has a melodic sense about her job. She feels the rhythm of the conversation and makes the right choice to join in the music or just stand at the podium and conduct the symphony.
These subtle gestures and choices may seem trivial, but they are part of Qerim’s high television IQ – the ability to feel the moment, know her role, push that role to its limits, and step out of it when appropriate.
Make no mistake, Stephen A. Smith is the engine that makes First Take the powerful ratings machine that it is, but Molly Qerim has emerged as a skilled driver, steering the program to new levels of high speed sports entertainment.
When Alexa Datt received a call from Bally Sports Midwest to join its coverage of local sports, she did not know that accepting the job would transport her to baseball heaven. Whether at the grocery store, riding in an Uber or at an event venue itself, she knows she is surrounded by a community with a unique and heightened effervescence towards its favorite sports teams.
“You can always try something new if you’re up for it,” Datt said. “Sometimes it requires making a big move in your life; a big change, and change can be scary, but if you embrace it and you lean on your people that have always been there to support you, it can be one of the best things that ever happens to you, and it was for me.”
While she covers the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, Datt acknowledges that she grew up as a fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Capitals. During her time working on a national scale, she was able to celebrate the Capitals’ Stanley Cup championship and a World Series victory for the Washington Nationals, the team she began rooting for upon its institution in 2005.
When she was young, Datt took up an interest in creative writing and always enjoyed watching or attending sporting events. Upon the recommendation from her mother, Datt had her sights set on sports media and pursued it full speed ahead.
“I fell in love with it my freshman year of high school and never looked back,” Datt said. “There was no Plan B; this was the Plan A. I was going to do this in some form or fashion, whether it was on air [or] behind the scenes for my career. If it didn’t work, I never even thought about anything else.”
To this day, she does not have a backup plan should her career fall through. There is hardly an offseason for Datt, who works year round to fulfill her obligations towards the Cardinals and Blues. Fostering the work ethic necessary to thrive in such a competitive industry occurred when she was young through her time as a college student at the University of Maryland.
While she learned plenty in her classes and at the school’s television network, it was through internships that she was truly able to be exposed to different niches of the industry. Datt was hired as an intern with America’s Most Wanted, where she gained production knowledge, and at Comcast SportsNet in Washington, D.C., where she assisted on shoots, ingested video and wrote scripts.
After various internships at the regional sports network, Datt walked into the office of the head of the network, Tim McHugh, and offered her thanks for allowing her to work as an intern. McHugh, incredulously, shared with her that no intern had ever taken the time to show their gratitude to him. As a result, he offered her a job as a production assistant before she even graduated college.
“The fact that I was working at night and working weekends and working some holidays and really building camaraderie with people who also worked in the industry was really special for me,” Datt said. “At school, you had your friends, but these were co-workers who I knew were basically going to be in my life for as long as I’d be in this industry.”
After a few years, she asked to be transferred to New York and began working at SportsNet New York in an associate producer role where she wrote scripts, cut highlights and helped construct a show. Through a relationship with former SNY host Michelle Yu, Datt was connected with Time Warner Cable on Staten Island, N.Y. and received an opportunity to work as a sideline reporter for men’s college basketball games.
“That was an amazing learning experience – death by fire, but you learn to sink or swim,” Datt said. “The best thing, honestly, was to lean on as many people as I could, and they were all willing to offer as much advice as possible since I was willing to listen.”
From the beginning of her time in The Big Apple, Datt was determined to broaden her abilities and become a multifaceted, versatile multimedia talent. Any opportunity that was afforded to her that would help her achieve this goal was something she jumped at. It helped her form a network of professionals in the business.
Rutgers University brought Datt on as a sideline reporter for its college basketball games, Fios1 Sports gave her a chance to work in the same role for high school football state championship games and SNY started to utilize her in its studio programming. While she was at SNY, Datt met current NFL on FOX play-by-play announcer and MLB on FOX studio host Kevin Burkhardt, who ended up being a pivotal resource early on.
“[He was] just extremely helpful while I was there because he was on his way out, but we crossed paths for a little bit,” Datt said of Burkhardt. “I’m super proud of Kevin; he is a superstar.”
Beginning in the 2014 season – and on a significantly smaller center field video board – Datt was named an in-stadium host for the New York Mets at Citi Field. Over the next three seasons, Datt worked with Neha Joy and Branden Wellington where the trio presented a pregame show and hosted content in-between innings.
While she was working on game days for the Mets, Datt continued to appear in studio on SNY and occasionally filled in for Steve Gelbs as the broadcast’s sideline reporter during spring training. After Datt departed SNY and ultimately the Mets, she inked a deal with MLB.com to host a livestream Twitter program called The Dugout. On this program, Datt was joined by broadcasters, celebrities and players to break down the night’s action and appeal to a younger demographic of sports fans.
By the start of the next season, she was granted her own midday show titled 12:25 Live with Alexa featuring interviews, discussion about the league at large and discourse with her co-host Dani Wexelman. In the years ensuing, the footprint of digital content has continued to precipitously grow, and Datt is cognizant of the important skills she cultivated in the role.
“I think that’s kind of the way this is all going, which is just a way more casual environment because we’ve been doing this for so long, talking sports in just a very easy way,” Datt explained. “Let’s convert that into how we set up a game [and] how we dissect it on the backend. All of that put together, I think, is just a better product for the consumer.”
People began to take notice of Datt’s hosting ability and one year later, she found herself commuting to Secaucus, N.J. as co-host of The Rundown with Scott Braun on MLB Network. Ironically enough, the season premiere of The Rundown came at Citi Field.
Datt quickly became friends with colleague and fellow DMV-area native Lauren Shehadi at MLB Network. Shehadi hosted a variety of studio programming over the years, and is now co-host of MLB Central and travels to Atlanta for MLB on TBS Tuesday night games. Datt referred to Shehadi as being her ‘rock’ when they were working together, and is grateful for everyone who has offered their support and expertise in the business.
“Altogether throughout my journey, there have been so many people who have been willing to embrace me with nothing in return,” Datt said. “They’re not getting anything out of it; they just are willing to reach out and help somebody who’s trying to make it along.”
When she was at MLB Network, Datt frequently hosted Quick Pitch, the network’s whiparound highlight show recapping all of the games from the previous day. She was responsible for writing lead-ins to highlights and coming up with creative ways to showcase her personality. Eventually, she took on a similar role with NHL Network.
“Writing the intros to a story and coming up with a unique angle to try and figure out how to captivate the audience and really sell them on what I was going to be talking about, I think, [was] challenging in a really good way and it’s the best way to hone your skills,” Datt said. “You’re standing there and you’ve got to, from the jump, say something that’s going to get this audience to want to pay attention to what you’re saying because it’s just you up there.”
Throughout her broadcast career, Datt has had to face criticism and contend with misogyny. At times, her sports knowledge was called into question, causing her to feel insecure because she already felt conscious of her own abilities amid her development. While she does not face those criticisms presently because of her dedication, work ethic and proficiency, she knows there are plenty of other women who face their own challenges and not provided equal opportunities in the industry. She also knows that women that came before her helped pave that path for herself and her peers.
“We’re super lucky to have people who have been in this industry and had to fight for their role and their job and the adversity that they had to face because they opened doors for us to be able to walk right through,” Datt said. “I thank those women constantly when I see them; they paved the way. I think for our generation, we realized how difficult it could have been or was for women of different generations; we’ve learned from that and bonded together.”
In St. Louis, Datt has further established her casual hosting style. Her goal of these programs is to inform while providing viewers with esoteric and coherent logic.
“I’m here to say that I can step out of your TV and sit down next to you on the couch and we can just have a conversation about hitting; pitching; the outfield; what this team’s going to do at the trade deadline and just kind of talk,” Datt said. “That’s my favorite part about this.”
On Blues Live, Datt works with Jamie Rivers, Bernie Federko and Darren Pang to preview the action ahead of puck drop. During the first and second intermissions, they recap the action, look at games across the NHL, and discuss what changes need to be made entering the later stages of the matchup. Finally, the night closes with a postgame broadcast containing sound from head coach Craig Berube and Blues players, along with highlights and analysis of the game.
Conversely for Cardinals Live, Datt is hosting coverage from Bally Sports Midwest’s broadcast studio, located across the street from Busch Stadium. On a typical gameday, Datt enters the studio several hours before the broadcast.
“It’s just a quick dose of, ‘Here’s what’s going on for Cardinals fans who really need to know,’” Datt said, “and then there’s the game.”
When the team is on the road, Datt usually works an entirely different job as the broadcast’s field reporter, although she sometimes hosts studio coverage. Datt is frequently around the team on road trips and focuses her questions before the game on the matchup at hand. She then conducts a one-on-one interview with a select member of the Cardinals, oftentimes in the dugout, which is shown during Cardinals Live.
“Some people will set up their stories and say, ‘I’m going to do this here [and] I’m going to do this here,’” Datt explained. “I like to incorporate what I have as naturally as possible. If the guys are talking about it, I can say, ‘Hey, I have some more to add here,’ and then they’ll insert me in.”
The average time of a standard, regular season Major League Baseball game has hastened by nearly a half-hour in 2023. As a result, Datt needs to be especially compendious in her storytelling and contributing to the broadcast.
“Reporters should be getting in and out, and I think I’m able to tell more stories, which is nice, in a more concise way,” Datt said. “I think that’s what people are looking for anyway.”
If the Cardinals win, Datt conducts an on-field interview with a select player and then quickly proceeds into the clubhouse where she interviews the manager and collects additional postgame sound from the players. Once postgame media availability concludes, Datt’s work is largely finished for the day. No matter if she is working under the shadow of the Gateway Arch or in one of the 27 other major league cities, the fans of St. Louis remain firmly rooted in her psyche.
“There’s a lot of pressure to understand the team’s history – and pressure in a good way because you want to be able to deliver the best product to these fans who are extremely knowledgeable,” Datt said. “So you’ve got to make sure you’re on your game, which I love, because I’ll take the challenge any day.”
Edman reached base four times — including an RBI triple — in the #STLCards' comeback win.
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) June 19, 2023
As a sports media personality in the 21st century, having an active social media presence is viewed by some as fundamental to establishing an individual brand. For Datt, she uses the various platforms to share photos on the job and engage with fans who may have questions that she can answer. Regarding negative activity on the web, she seeks to avoid it and takes everything in stride, recognizing that much of it comes from the insecurity of others and neglects to address it.
Datt’s career has been full of exciting moments. None of it would have been possible without an indefatigable will to succeed and be adaptable, both of which can now be cultivated by starting a podcast. Datt tells aspiring professionals to explore the space since it gives them opportunities to book guests, prepare for interviews, produce a show and distribute a final product to listeners. In fact, Datt herself hosted a podcast with Wexelman called Datt’s What She Said with Dani, on which the duo interviewed athletes in and out of the game of baseball.
As more consumers cut the cord and become engrossed in the digital content marketplace, Datt wants to serve as a resource for fans to discover informative and entertaining sports talk – whether that be about the Blues, Cardinals or sports world at large.
We have all been in a position where we don’t know what to sell to a client, so we try to let them decide by showing them EVERYTHING we can do.
That’s a mistake.
According to ‘choice’ expert Sheena Iyengar from Columbia University, a sports radio seller needs to be deliberate when laying out the choices for a potential buyer. We can sell traditional spots in stop sets, live spots in studio and on location, pre-recorded commercials, play-by-play sponsorships, segment sponsorships, NTR, and digital opportunities.
It is mind-numbing how many choices we have for advertisers. But, we need to limit those choices in order to actually get the buy.
According to Iyengar, the choice overload will only make our buyers less engaged, more likely to make a poor decision, and less satisfied with the opportunity. Maybe we need to take the lead from grocer Aldi. Most grocery stores can carry up to 45,000 products, but Aldi has achieved great success in the US with only 1,400. Less can be more. Here are the 4 C’s when it comes to making it easier for clients to say yes to our proposals:
Cut: Less is more. I like the classic three proposals of Least, Most, and Average Money. The idea is to get the client to select the average proposal which will get the job done. But, by limiting their choices to only 3, you have their attention and decision. Read all about the ACB method here.
Concrete: Make them visualize the choices. Will a remote at an on-premise event bring a crowd? Show them a photo. Will a recorded spot make you laugh? Play one. Make the proposal something they can see, feel, hear or touch.
Categorize: Buyers can handle more categories than choices. Put a proposal together with live or recorded spots, Sales promotion or public service, google or streaming advertising. Iyengar makes the case that we think we have more choices and will go forward easier when we see categories of what to buy.
Condition: To keep your buyer engaged throughout the buying process, start small with choices before you go with too many. Before you ask the buyer how many spots they want to run a month, start with the message and decide if ten, thirty or sixty seconds is what’s needed. This will reduce buyer fatigue and hopefully lead them to purchase a schedule.
Mitigating the problem of choice overload will result in more closed sales. The key to getting the most from choice is to be choosy about choosing.
